Dear friends,

Just wanted update you about my mum. She has been fighting oral cancer since 2003 and as I said in my previous post it is back in her parido something gland (salivary gland) though we don't have the full story yet as we are still waiting for an MRI Scan on Tuesday, 15th April 2008 and it's outcome.

The fine needle biopsy shows positive sign of cancer. Also everyday the lump in front of her ear and angle of jaw appears slighly bigger. She also has some drooping of her eyelid on the right side together with that eye watering continually. The right side of her face has also become immobile.

When we saw her consultant for a meeting this week, he said that he was quite concerned as it was not a good sign together with the news from the biopsy. He said that this time making a decision to operate may not be as straight forward as it has beeen so in the past. (Mum has had 3 major operations over the past 5 years). He said that if they operate, it could be risky as it could damage the facial nerve and she would be paralysed on that side of her face. He also said that if they didn't think surgery would mop up any remaining cells and treat her successfully then they would not offer surgery as it would not be in her best interests. With regards to radiotherapy he said that they mightbe able to do that but only to shrink the tumour not cure it completely. Also, because she has had radiotherapy before to the same side, that too may not be viable.

So as you can imagine, we feel like we have been left with no hope unless there is a miracle and the MRI Scan results come out in her favour.

I have been so upset since. Mum has been pretty much holding it together, except for today when she really let herself go and began to cry and despair.

Do you think there could still be hope? what about chemotherapy? what does that do? Will it help if she was offered it?

I feel so cross. why my mum? She has so much yet to live for. She is such a busy little bee. I always call her that because she loves to cook and is often found making delicious food in the kitchen that unfortunately she cannot eat. Dad has just bought her a lap top as well and my husband and I are hoping to make her an expert in surfing the net and emailing by the end of this weekend!! She has three beautiful grandchildren (they are my kids and I am an only child) two boys aged 11 and 9years and a little girl aged 3 and a half. SO why my mum and why now?

I just want to scream out loud. It's just not fair but then reading other people's posts. She is not alone and there are many of you in similar situations or have been there before. Unfortunately, it seems it is only the good ones that seem to suffer from this dreadful disease.

Sorry to go on. Just felt the need to vent my frustrations. Hope you understand and can give me some support?

Thanks


Kathleen.